Seniors receive help with household bills

June 27, 2013

Senior citizens across Australia may have been given a reprieve from rising electricity and gas prices, as the government announces new funding.

More than 281,000 self-funded retirees will be given a helping hand with their household bills through the first quarterly Clean Energy Supplement, which the Commonwealth said started landing in bank accounts yesterday (June 26).

The aim is to provide some breathing room for older Australians and offset any rises in utility charges due to the carbon price.

Paid alongside the existing Seniors Supplement, the money is part of the government's Household Assistance Package and provides $88 for singles and $134 for couples.

For the June quarter, eligible single retirees will receive $215 and couples will pocket $324 when the regular Seniors Supplement is included.

"In total, eligible self-funded retirees will receive more than $90 million in Clean Energy Supplement payments each year," said minister for families Jenny Macklin.

"This new payment for seniors builds on the Gillard government's strong record of delivering for older Australians," Ms Macklin stated.

New South Wales' residents will receive the lion's share of the money, with 98,100 people getting supplemental cash, while 73,300 Victorians and 51,100 Queenslanders will also benefit.